HADASSAH MEDICAL ORGANIZATION NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

(NEW YORK, NY -- March 8, 2005) -- The Hadassah Medical Organization, which has achieved international acclaim for promoting peace in the Middle East region by providing equal treatment to Palestinians and Israelis, has been nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize.

Although the Norwegian Nobel Committee does not release the names of nominees, professors and members of legislatures from at least four different countries recently revealed to Hadassah officials that they had extended formal nominations on behalf of the medical organization, according to June Walker, National President of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, the founder and benefactor of the medical organization.

Their nominations cited three areas in which Hadassah Medical Organization has excelled in promoting peace in the region: the ability to maintain the value of equal treatment for all people despite treating more terror victims than any other medical center; the model of cooperation and coexistence set by the mixed staff of people of all faiths; and the medical organization's ongoing initiatives in creating bridges for peace even throughout the intifada.

"I can't think of a more meaningful way to celebrate our founding," said Walker, noting that the organization is celebrating its 93rd birthday this month. "The values of Hadassah continue to set the standard that all people need to strive for." The winner of $1.6 million prize will be announced in the fall.